Citation Worthy Largemouth

Type: Nontidal
Region: Central
Location: Piney Run Reservior

Headed out to piney run first thing saturday morning with intent on catching some cats or hybrids. After two hours without a bite, started tossing little lures catching some pretty redbreasted sunnies and a crappie, but missed a nice yellow perch. I saw a big wad of lily pads and thought why not do some largemouth recon. First cast...WHAM!!!! Took off like a freight train and completely spooled me. I tightened my drag and let him stretch my 8# test a good bit before i could gain any ground. He made his way toward the lily pads and i thought it was all over until he jumped and cleared himself and took all my line again. After a while i got him in but he was almost dead, i quickly strung him up and got the water flowing through his gills took a quick pick and measure and then spent the next five minutes reviving him. I would love to get a largemouth citation i just cant bring myself to risk killing such a beautiful creature that i dont plan on eating. He was 20.5" and over 5 pounds!!! Great morning